While there has been much debate over the need for military action among my colleagues, this week we stand together, united in the same fight for a liberated and free Iraq where democracy may flourish.

"More importantly, we stand united in our support for our troops who now bear the burden of carrying out this fight for freedom.  As lawmakers, we will show that support by giving our men and women in uniform the resources they need to execute Operation Iraqi Freedom quickly and with little loss of life.  As Americans, we can do even more.

"Whether one of those soldiers is your son or your daughter, or if one of them is your friend or neighbor, whether you are for military action or against it, our young men and women overseas are fighting for us and defending our right to speak out.  We must support them without reservation.  I urge you to let them know that we are eternally grateful for their selfless role in defending freedom and keeping America safe. 

"I invite you to visit my website, www.house.gov/ross, where you will find a number of ways to contact our service members and show your support.  The greatest weapon we can arm our soldiers with is our prayers and our pride in what they do."

Ross’s site provides links to all branches of the military, the latest Department of Defense and Homeland Security news, ways to communicate with our troops stationed abroad, and ideas on how to get involved in activities in support of our soldiers. 

“The events of the past few days have been a sobering experience for many of us,” Ross said.  “During this uncertain time we find ourselves thirsty for information – whether it’s a question about how to prepare your family during a heightened terror alert, or how to send a message of support to our men and women in uniform.  With this in mind, I created this new addition to my congressional website to help answer some of these questions and help direct constituents to the information they need.”

Due to current mail restrictions, security precautions, and transportation restraints, the Department of Defense can no longer accept items mailed to “Any Service Member.”  The military also asks that citizens not flood armed forces mail systems with letters, cards, and gifts.  Though well intentioned, this mail can clog their system and cause unnecessary delays for military families trying to contact their loved ones.

To keep the public and our troops connected, the military has established several alternatives for communicating with service members stationed abroad.  Links to these efforts are located on Ross’s website.

“With so many of our Arkansas servicemen and women participating in Operation Liberty Shield, I feel it is important that we stand united in our support for their brave efforts.  I urge you to visit my website for ideas on how you can show them your support and lend your encouragement.  We must let our troops know that they are in our thoughts and our prayers as they embark on this mission.”

Ross’s new “Support Our Troops” website can be accessed through his congressional website, www.house.gov/ross.

“The events of September 11, 2001 showed us how vital our firefighters are in responding to any emergency,” Ross said.  “Yet there are countless rural and volunteer fire departments across our country that lack proper equipment to respond to the best of their abilities to even the smallest of emergencies.  There are hundreds of volunteer fire departments in our district, and they have a lot of people to take care of.  I want to make sure they have the resources they need to fight fires, save lives, and save property.” 

Volunteer and rural fire departments have long served an important role in the national fire prevention and suppression infrastructure.  These departments are, in many areas, the only organization able to act effectively during a fire or other emergency.  However, many do not have the funds to purchase equipment, and are often unable to obtain sufficient resources to do their jobs. 

Ross explained that this problem becomes critical during the fire season, when dry conditions increase the risk of wildfires.  “Most of these fires start in rural areas, and if rural fire departments can act quickly with the proper equipment, they can stop those fires from spreading and can prevent disastrous wildfires like our country saw last summer.” 

To alleviate this problem, many rural and volunteer departments turn to the Federal Excess Personal Property Program (FEPP).  Through this program, The USDA Forest Service loans excess federal equipment from other agencies to these fire departments.  The type of equipment most often needed is excess property from the Department of Defense, but volunteer and rural fire departments are given low priority for the allocation of this type of equipment. 

“I grew up in a small town, and I still live in a small town,” Ross said.  “I have seen rural volunteer firefighters in action and I value their service, but I know they will be able to be more effective if they have the opportunity to obtain the equipment they so desperately need.  My bill will give rural and volunteer fire departments high priority when excess property from the Department of Defense is available.  This property could be anything from nuts and bolts to trucks – equipment our rural firefighters need to do their jobs.  It costs our government nothing, and it will protect what we value most; our lives and the lives of those we love.” 

The Rural Fire Department Equipment Priority Act has the support of the National Association of State Foresters and the National Volunteer Fire Council.